DHAKA, Nov 21, 2014 (NU/BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today
said the armed forces, radiant with the spirit of the war of Liberation, is a pride for the nation.
She said her government wants to see the armed forces as a
disciplined, efficient, modern and well-equipped armed forces.
“To do this we will do everything necessary,” she said in
the reception organized at Senakunja, Dhaka Cantonment marking
the Bangladesh Armed Forces Day-2014.
Sheikh Hasina said we want continuous prosperity of the
force. We do hope that the armed forces would make more
contribution to the nation building activities maintaining
discipline and professional efficiency, she said.
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, Chief Justice M Mozammel
Hossain, former Presidents H M Ershad, cabinet members,
parliament members, chiefs of three services, members of the
Bangladesh armed forces and their spouses, leaders of different
political parties, professionals and diplomats attended the
reception.
After addressing the audience, the Prime Minister exchanged
pleasantries with the army officials and their family members,
diplomats and other guests. She also exchanged greetings with
acting secretary general of BNP Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Sheikh Hasina said her government has undertaken plan to
build up the armed forces capable to face the challenges of 21st
century. In view of this, she said the forces are being given
modern training and armory, she said.
The Prime Minister congratulated all members of the armed
forces on the Armed Forces Day and conveyed her best wishes to
them for their continuous progress, peace, happiness and
prosperity.
Sheikh Hasina said the Armed Forces Day has a glorious
significance in the history of Bangladesh’s War of Liberation.On
this day in 1971, the valiant fighters of the army, navy and air
force launched attack together on the occupation force.
Their joint attack compelled the occupation force to
surrender and Bangladesh was born as an independent and sovereign
country, she said adding the nation always remembers the
sacrifices and valor of the members of the armed forces in the
War of Liberation.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister paid her glorious
tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman, four national leaders and all martyrs of the War of
Liberation and prayed for their eternal peace.
She also recalled the sacrifice of around two lakh mothers
and sisters who were oppressed by the occupation forces and
conveyed sympathy to the family members of the martyred and
wounded Freedom Fighters.
She thanked the excellencies and distinguished guests of the
friendly countries for joining the reception. She gratefully
recalled their contribution during the War of Liberation, hoping
that their support to achieve the goal of liberation will
continue in future.
Sheikh Hasina said, Father of the Nation had initiated to
create a modern and smart armed forces after liberation alongside
reconstruction of the ravaged economy.
Bangabandhu founded military academy, combined armed school
and training school for every corps for their training and
development of organizational infrastructure side by side with
establishing many military organizations and units.
Sheikh Hasina said, Bangabandhu inaugurated Isa Khan Naval
Base aimed at reorganizing the Bangladesh Navy. In his personal
initiative, Bangabandhu procured two ships from Yugoslavia which
are still in operation even after 39 years.
In the same way, she said, Bangabandhu procured MIG-21
aircraft, helicopter, cargo plane and radar from the then Soviet
Union. Our armed forces are now standing on that foundation and
became familiar for its professionalism and efficiency beyond the
national territory
Sheikh Hasina said members of the armed forces have set
unique example of patriotism through their services during
natural disasters and internal crisis side by side protecting the
country’s independence and sovereignty.
They have done a lot in implementing many development
programmes including road construction, infrastructure
development and Ashrayan Project. They are also extending support
to the civil administration in the nation building activities and
socio-economic development.
Besides, the armed forces are also playing remarkable role
in building a digital Bangladesh, she said.
Sheikh Hasina said the armed forces earned recognition from
international arena for maintaining peace, stability and
security. Bangladesh is now the highest peacekeeper contributing
country of the UN. Many peacekeepers of Bangladesh embraced
martyrdom while performing duties for world peace, she said
offering prayer for their departed soul.
She said Forces Goal-2030 has been prepared in light of the
defense policy of the Father of the Nation. As part of execution
of the goal, she said an infantry division has been established
in Sylhet apart from constitution of six new units including area
headquarters.
The government has given approval for establishment of a new
infantry division in Ramu. Another infantry division is being
established in the country’s southern part, she said.
She said new tanks, APC, multi-barrel rocket launcher and
many modern arms and ammunition were procured for Bangladesh
Army.
The Prime Minister said the government has given long-term
lease of the land at Jahazzarchar area of Hatiya, Noakhali to
Bangladesh Army for planned tree plantation. Process is also
going on for leasing out the Char Carring, she said.
Sheikh Hasina said the training period of the BMA cadets has
was made three years from two years while basic training of the
soldiers were made one year from six months.
Besides, opportunities were created for cadets for study on
the subjects of civil engineering, electrical, electronic and
communications engineering, international relations, BBA, physics
and economics during their foundation course, she said adding
scopes were created for soldiers to pursue higher studies.
Sheikh Hasina said, her government during 1996-2001 tenure
established many important institutions for armed forces like
National Defense College, Armed Forces Institute of Technology,
Armed Forces Medical College and Bangladesh Institute of Peace
Support Operation Training.
Besides, 52 Infantry Brigade, a composite brigade for
security of the Bangabandhu Bridge and a number of small and
large units were constituted, apart from establishment of a new
regiment namely Bangladesh Infantry Regiment.
She said the hospitals of the armed forces were modernized
with supply of sophisticated equipments. Expert doctors having
FRCS and FCPS degrees are being given direct appointment to the
post of major to recover the shortage of expert physicians.
The Prime Minister said the government has also taken steps
for modernization of Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force. A
new naval base has been inaugurated in Patuakhali while a
submarine base is being constructed at Pekua, Cox’s Bazar.
Sheikh Hasina said, the medical services for the members of
the armed forces were expanded and improved during the tenure of
the present government. Members of the armed forces are being
provided with different gallantry awards, one-time allowance and
grants for their good performance and bravery.
The Prime Minister assured the members of the armed forces
of resolving their residential problems. Three multi-storied
building are being constructed at Mirpur DOHS where 56 families
would get flats.
The government also actively considering many other
programmes including CSD facilities for welfare of the members of
the armed forces, she said.
The Prime Minister sought cooperation of all to build a
happy, prosperous self-defendant country to live with dignity
amidst the world community.